Deputy Program Manager (TS/SCI Clearance Required)

Red Cell Partners•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Deputy Program Manager to help lead execution of a large, software‑intensive, AI‑enabled DoD program transitioning from prototype into sustained operational use. This role will primarily operate remotely from the Washington, DC area, with the willingness to attend frequent in‑person meetings with government and industry partners. This role is for someone who lives inside execution, not just oversight, is comfortable managing programs built on AI‑foundational approaches (data‑driven systems, optimization engines, ML‑enabled decision support), understands DoD software realities but leans forward in acquisition and delivery thinking, and can step in as Acting Program Manager at any time without slowing momentum. You will partner closely with the Program Manager while owning the day‑to‑day execution heartbeat across engineering, LLM and AI/ML development, integration, cyber, cloud, and operational stakeholders. This is not a traditional Deputy PM role. It is a hands‑on operator role in a fast‑moving, AI‑centric software environment.

Requirements

7+ years managing or leading software‑intensive DoD programs.
Experience as a PM or Deputy PM
Active TS/SCI Security Clearance
Currently reside in the Washington DC area & willing to attend frequent in-person meetings (30-40%)
Demonstrated ownership of day‑to‑day program execution
Hands‑on experience with Agile or Hybrid software delivery frameworks.
Experience working on programs involving advanced analytics, AI/ML, optimization, or data‑driven systems.
Experience delivering software that supports real operational users, exercises, or deployments.
Strong bias toward execution, learning, and delivery.
Comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast‑evolving problem spaces.
Able to make decisions with incomplete information.
Able to influence without authority across highly technical teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience transitioning AI‑enabled or data‑centric systems from prototype to operational scale.
Familiarity with DevSecOps, cloud‑native architectures, or secure data pipelines.
Experience operating in high‑tempo, high‑visibility programs.

Responsibilities

Drive Daily Execution of AI Enabled Software Programs
Own day‑to‑day execution across multiple software and data‑centric workstreams
Translate capability goals into executable plans aligned to incremental, learning‑driven delivery
Track tasking, dependencies, delivery status, and issue resolution across engineering and AI teams
Identify and remove blockers before they impact delivery, credibility, or user trust.
Lead Forward-Leaning Software Acquisition and Delivery
Operate within DoD software acquisition pathways while actively pushing toward modern, software‑first outcomes.
Apply pragmatic, outcome‑oriented acquisition thinking suited to fast‑evolving AI systems.
Help shape delivery strategies that balance: Speed vs. rigor, Experimentation vs. operational reliability, Innovation vs. scalability
Push back on legacy, document‑heavy, waterfall approaches that slow real delivery.
Enable Agile / Hybrid Delivery in an AI Context
Operate comfortably in Agile and Hybrid delivery environments supporting AI‑driven systems.
Support sprint planning, release planning, backlog prioritization, and iterative capability drops.
Ensure Agile practices enable learning, adaptation, and delivery — not process theater.
Help teams manage the realities of AI development (model iteration, data dependency, evolving performance metrics).
Operate Comfortably in AI‑Foundational Systems
Partner effectively with engineers and data scientists
Support programs built on optimization engines, analytics pipelines, AI/ML models, and data‑driven workflows.
Understand that AI‑enabled systems improve over time, require iteration and feedback loops, and demand different delivery and risk‑management approaches than static software
Act as Deputy / Acting Program Manager
Maintain full situational awareness across scope, schedule, risks, dependencies, and stakeholders.
Step in for the Program Manager when needed to lead internal and external meetings, make time‑sensitive execution decisions, and communicate clearly with senior government and industry leaders
Manage Risk, Issues and Tradeoffs
Proactively identify and manage program risks — including technical, data, integration, and delivery risks.
Maintain and actively use RAID logs and decision records.
Surface uncomfortable risks early, with practical mitigation options.
Drive decisions rather than deferring them.

Benefits

A fully remote, results-based environment
Competitive salary, bonus, and equity package
100% employer paid, comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family
Unlimited PTO, with your manager’s approval
Flexible work environment where you manage your work day
14 weeks of fully-paid parental leave
Career track opportunity with potential for rapid advancement with strong performance as the firm grows
Paid maternity and paternity for 14 weeks at employees' normal pay.
Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.
Optional 401K, FSA, and equity incentives available.
Mental health benefits are available through Tara Mind.
Cost effective GLP-1 solutions available through Crux.